4 Ways Weeds Sneak In And Steal Growth
Jesus talked a fair amount about weeds. There are other biblical references as well.
It starts early, in fact. Genesis 3:18 introduces weeds as a consequence of sin, saying, "the ground will produce thorns and weeds..."
In the parable of the soils in Matthew 13, Jesus talks about how weeds are like worries and temptations. They distract us from the primary objective. Later in that same chapter is another story about weeds. This one is interesting in that Jesus says to go ahead and let the weeds grow alongside the wheat, only this time He is referring to weeds as people who don't follow Him. (The writer of Hebrews also refers to these people as weeds.)
Weeds are sneaky. Here are 4 ways they sneak in and steal growth.
1) They start small and can grow to overshadow the valuable plants they are near. They steal the needed connection to the sun.
2) They use resources the plant needs. The nutrients and moisture in the soil are diverted from the plant and spent on the weeds.
3) They propagate themselves. If not completely removed, they come back around - either they reseed, or the roots grow new plants. It is difficult to totally be rid of them.
4) They are not what God intended. They came as a result of the fall; they are a consequence of humanity gone wrong. And yet, they come so naturally. We have to work at getting rid of them and tending to the plants we want to invest in.
Last time we talked about how ideas are like seeds. Once planted, seeds must be tended. It's a good first step to choose what needs to be planted, but it's just that - only a first step.
As mentioned previously, Jesus refers to weeds as worries and temptations. Let's break those down a bit. Worries are projections of things that may happen to us. Temptations are possible things we could choose to do. Both are opportunities to connect with God regarding our humanity.
We are prone to worry. It actually feels responsible and right to be over-concerned. (or is it just me?) What if, instead, we shared our concerns with God our Father and walked through life together? Perhaps that is what is meant in James 1:2-6, when we are exhorted to consider whatever comes our way as "joy" because it is an opportunity to interact with God and learn to act in wisdom.
Temptations come in many shapes. I think the enemy of our souls tailor makes them for each of us individually. Some of us are prone to addictive behaviors - be it substance abuse, overeating, false intimacy, or any sort of self "soothing". Others are more enticed by "success", which in the world could look like excessive focus on money, or power, or recognition. Whatever shifts our focus from our connection with God to our feeling better about ourselves is an idol of sorts.
God is jealous for our attention because He knows what is best for us. He knows the weeds of worry and temptation will siphon off connection with Him.
Oh God, help us to focus on healthy growth and true connection with you! Thank you for your promise of connection with us as we grow!